SUPERB RUSSIAN OPTICS FOR NOT A LOT OF MONEY
Written: Oct 30 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Wonderful Russian optics, well adjusted right from the factory.
Cons: Like any Maksutov must reach the air temperature to get the best results.
The Bottom Line: A top notch small aperture scope that will give you great performance for its size.
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| plandman's Full Review: Lomo Astele 70 (140 x 70mm) Telescope |
Being an equipment junkie type of astronomer, I have tried many scopes, and have kept my favorites. One of the keepers is this LOMO Astele 70MM Spotting scope/telescope.
I had originally bought an Intes MK67 some years ago, and found then that the Russians are very adept at serious optics. After using the Intes for 6 years, I bought an Astele 95. After collimating it (it was slightly out of adjustment), it was just great. Sooo--if one LOMO is good, more has to be better, right?
I found the LOMO Astele 70MM on Astromart for what I thought was a fair price. Having had the '95 for some months and having to adjust it to get it "right", I thought I would have to "adjust" or tweek things with the 70MM. Wrong! The thing came absolutely on the money (confirmed by a star test) right from the factory.
Unlike the Astele 95, the focus knob is on the side of the scope, instead of coming out in the back. I think I like the side mounting better, but time will tell. The 95 has some minor focus shift when using higher powers, but at normal magnification with the 70MM it is really quite minimal.
The scope comes with a decent quality diagonal (1 1/4"), and the same 25MM Plossl eyepiece that comes with the 95. With the 890MM focal length of the scope, the 25MM eyepiece yields about 35X. It also has a very small, and well designed little case that will fit everything they give you, plus maybe a barlow lens or another eyepiece.
I have been using it on a light duty tripod with a fluid head and it is steady enough for good observing plus light enough that you will grab it when you go out the door, where you might not if it was bigger/heavier.
All in all, a very well made, and handy little scope that is just perfect for "grab and go" study of the heavens, or checking out the latest rare bird in the back yard.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
plandman
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Member: Paul Landman
Location: Hamden, CT USA
Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 0 members
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